Parsa Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Spread over 499 sq km the Parsa Wildlife Reserve covers parts of Chitwan, Makawanpur, Parsa and Bara districts. It is mostly covered with Shorea Robusta forests and provides habitat for animals like the Asiatic Elephant, the Royal Bengal Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Blue Bull, Wild Dog and numerous species of deer and monkeys. The reserve is also rich in bird species of which there are 527 kinds like the endangered Great Hornbill, Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, flycatchers and woodpeckers. Reptiles and especially snakes like the King Cobra, Common Cobra, Krait, Rat Snake and the Indian Python are also found here.

The reserve is 7 km from Simara which is around 20 minutes flight from Kathmandu. There are a few resorts in the area which provide jungle safari, elephant rides, jungle walks and jeep drives. The best season to visit Parsa is from October to March.

Features
The soil is primarily composed of gravel and conglomerates, making it susceptible to erosion. The hills present a very rugged face with numerous gullies and dry streambeds. As the foothills are very porous, water flows underground and surfaces at a distance of about 15 km. from the hills base. The Churia hill range from 750m to 950m running east to west.

Climate
The reserve has a subtropical monsoon climate with relatively high humidity. The main season are winter (October-December), spring (January-March), summer (April-June) and monsoon (July-September). Summer days are characteristically hot with average temperatures ranging from 30 - 35 C.


Flora & Fauna
The forests are mainly composed of tropical and subtropical species. Sal forests compose about 90 percent of the reserve's vegetation. Along the banks of the rivers, riverine forests are found containing species like Khair and Silk cotton tree. In the north-eastern part of the reserve, at higher altitudes, Sal and Pine forests are occurring. On the southern slope of the Siwalik hills, the forests are dominated by pine. Sabai grass is commercially important species, grows well on the southern face of the Churia hills.

The reserve supports good populations of various endangered species include wild Asian elephant, Royal Bengal tiger, Sloth bear, and Leopard. Blue bull, Sambar, Chital, Hog deer, Barding deer, Langur, Rhesus macaques, striped hyena, Jungle cat, and Palm civet are also found in the reserve.

The reserve also provides habitat for more than 500 species of birds. For example White breasted kingfisher, Paradise flycatcher, Large racquet-tailed drongo, Golden backed woodpecker, etc are some of the common sights. Giant hornbill, one of the endangered bird species is found in some  forest patches. The reserve is also famous for reptiles and different kinds of snakes include common Cobra, Common and banded Karit, Python and King cobra.

Facilities
Near the headquarters there  is a machan (view tower) that provides excellent opportunities to catch glimpses of many birds, deer and leopard. Wild elephants could be also sighted form the machans. Kailas Bhata is atop a hill, and is of religious importance. It house two small temples (Dugdeswor Mahadev) paying homage to the Hindu gods of Shiva and Parbati. Also, one can look over the lush forests of the Terai from here. An elephant camp is located near the Amlekhgunj in Bara district. Jungle rides can be arranged from the reserve headquarters, which is the best way to get a close view of the wildlife.


How to Get There:

The reserve is accessible by bus via the Kathmandu Birgunj highway or the Mahendra Rajmarg highway. The reserve headquarters is an 8 hour drive from Kathmandu. Simara airport is 7 km away from the reserve headquarters. It takes only 20 minutes to reach Simara from Kathmandu by plane.

Important Points:

  • Flora and fauna of the reserve are fully protected and must not be disturbed.
  • Rubbish must be buried or disposed of in a designated place.
  • Movement within the reserve is prohibited before sunrise and after sunset.


Entry fees into Parsa Wildlife Reserve:

Wildlife Reserve entry fee per person per day:

  • For Nepali Nationals Rs 20
  • For SAARC Nationals Rs 200
  • For Foreign Nationals Rs 500
  • Children under 10 years Free
  • Camping Fee per night per person - Rs 300 - (Nepali's Rs 20)
  • Vehicle Fee - Rs 100 - (Nepali's Rs100)
  • Elephant ride per hour per person - Rs 650 - (Nepali's Rs 100)




Glance of Jungle Safari
National Parks
Wildlife Reserve
Hunting Reserve
Ramsar Sites
Conservation Area